Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #17

12Z turned out with fellow weanlings in October. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End.

Q:

I was wondering how Lane’s End handles the care of weanlings and yearlings. I know a number of larger operations more or less turn the kids out and only bring them in when it’s time for veterinary care or hoof trimming, with the idea that they’re just letting the babies be babies until the time they need to be prepared for yearling sales or training. I was just wondering if Lane’s End does this or if you guys do give more personal care to the little guys even before they need sales prepping or training!

Kelli Clark

Toms River, NJ

A: At Lane’s End we try to find the right balance between letting horses be horses and that extra bit of professional and personal care.

Our weanlings make the transition from the broodmare side of the farm to the yearling division in the month of December. At this point, we will separate the colts and fillies so the boys have their fields and the girls have theirs. This is a stressful time for these young horses so we keep their routine as similar as possible to what it was like at the broodmare division. This will reduce any additional stress and make their transition that little bit easier.

This routine consists of the weanlings/yearlings coming in from the fields at 7am. We lead them into the barn and run our hands down each horse’s leg. We can then feel if any has a cut, bump, swelling or heat in their legs. This also desensitizes them, so they are easier to touch and handle. They then go into their stalls and eat their breakfast. Feeding them inside allows us to monitor how much each horse eats, and alter their feeds accordingly seen as every horse is different and therefore has different nutritional needs.

Once they are finished eating, we will check their temperatures, pick their feet and administer any medication that is needed. We check temperatures daily. Normally you can tell if a horse is sick simply by observing their demeanor or by the fact that they have not eaten up, but sometimes they will not show any of the obvious signs. This is when taking their temperatures is essential. While we are in their stall taking their temperatures we will also pick their feet. As well as being good hoof care and horsemanship it also makes life much easier when the farrier comes !

After these essential daily chores are completed we have time for the vet or farrier to come if needed. Otherwise we will start grooming the horses lightly so they become used to what is in store during sales prep. As we get closer to prep time, we will start to break the yearlings to plastic bits. We leave the bits in their mouths as we groom them. Using the plastic bits create an easy transition to the metal bits that we use later on during sales prep. We also start to introduce them to the hose so that they are used to getting baths when we start our prep.

These additional tasks take us up until lunch time. At 1pm we will feed them their lunch and turn them out at 2pm. This lengthy turn out time of seventeen hours from 2pm until 7am the following morning is more than adequate time to allow horses be horses. They have that time to run, play and frolic. The concussion on their bones that they create from running and playing mixed with the nutrients that they ingest from our limestone enriched soils helps them to produce strong, healthy bones.

Therefore, I believe that we have the right balance here at Lane’s End between letting horses be horses with their lengthy turn out time and their extra bit of personal care and handling.

Our Expert

Peter Sheehan

Assistant Yearling Manager, Lane’s End

Peter, originally from Co. Kildare, Ireland started his career in the thoroughbred industry at Derrinstown Stud while he completed his education at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. After graduating with a degree in geography and math he then completed a post graduate study in statistics. Peter arrived at Lane’s End in 2008 and is currently the Assistant Yearling Manager.

Reader Interactions

1,474 Comments

    • / Reply

      Love this link Kathy,
      Goldikova was quite studdish in her box according to Freddy Head.
      Also love the comment, at this stage busy in her head.

      Really great, thanks for posting

  2. / Reply

    Marcus Hersh @DRFHersh tweet on Hawthorne EHV-1
    Horse in Barn 1 at Hawthorne was down in stall & had to be euthanized Monday,
    state vet confirmed. EHV-1 test result pending

    EHV-1 confirmed in horse euthanized Monday at HAW. 28-day quarantine clock reset to Nov. 26

    Keta Hagen to DRFHersh
    Confused by this. Is Nov. 26 the clock start or
    did you mean Dec. 26 as end of quarantine?

    Marcus Hersh @DRFHersh to KetaHagen
    Clock restarted Nov. 26. If no new neuro cases, release would come 28 days after that

    • / Reply

      Keta

      If you or Max see any news of Orfevre anywhere please post it here. I have been looking. Thought they might have some news after his race on how he is. Anyway if you guys see anything at all anytime on my boy please post it. I know I’m probably bugging you guys……………………………..Sorry

      • / Reply

        Peggy(N). There was some speculation after the Japan Cup that the Big O would run again at Christmas in the Kinen which he won last year. We must wait and see. Gentildonna is off for a rest. There is talk of her running in the Arc next year. Solemia has retired. Not certain but I think that Danedream might be retired or about to be retired.

    • / Reply

      Keta,

      I am so glad you are here. As soon as I went back and read that quote I knew just how you feel. “This” is a one of a kind group and NO one can spoil it. I sincerely believe it.
      I always read your posts and have learned much. Thank you for coming back.
      Love, Mary

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta,

      So glad you are back, very strange though.

      There has never been a Vicki on this site
      of course other than our wonderful California,
      Vicki B.

      Wonder who “Vicki” is ???

      • / Reply

        Sign, the poster who had a problem the other day spelled her name “Vicky”, with a Y. There have been one or two other posters in the past who spelled theirs with an “i” like I do, but that is why I’m always “Vicki B.” so there’s no confusion.

        • Thanks for clarifying,

          Wonderd why you added the B.

          Just a very weird comment out of the blue ???

  4. / Reply

    So Lentenor will be at Calumet along with Americain…..two of Big D’s boys in same place…..yahoooooo!

      • / Reply

        @Ann and Carol. It is wonderful news. I will visit this summer if they allow visitors. It would be pleasure to see these two sons of Big D. Where was I? Celebrating Stay Thirsty’s win, something that I plan to do indefinitely. I love that horse. He has Hastings in his female line so how could I not love Thirsty? Here is a link to a photo of the final moments of the Cigar Mile with Thirsty and the beautiful Groupie Doll.
        @Keta. Ignore the negative types and keep going. You do good work.

        http://cdn.paulickreport.com/assets/Media/Photos/StayThirsty2012CigarMile.jpg

        • Good to see Max as well. I was beginning to worry! Cause that’s what I do best! Go Stay Thirsty!

        • @Louise. News is that our Thirsty shipped to Ashford on Monday. I hope that he has a great retirement and Ashford allows visitors. Glad that he retired sound. Yes, I am also wild about Lentenor.

        • Max,
          Seeing you back with us makes me so happy!
          Have something special for you

          Three Chimneys Farm‏ tweet Congrats to Calumet Farm on their new roster of stallions,
          AIKENITE, AMERICAIN, & LENTENOR,

          Keta Note: Here is the True Nicks article,
          You have to read a lot of history to get to the new stallions.

          Calumet Farm Returns with Trio of New Stallions
          Written by Alan Porter | Nov 29, 2012 | The Blood-Horse True Nicks

          Calumet Farm is a name that has been associated with history-making stallions since the arrival of English Derby winner Blenheim II in 1936. In that case, Calumet—for whom Blenheim II sired Triple Crown hero Whirlaway—was only part of the investment group that brought the Aga Khan’s classic victor to the U.S., Blenheim II’s stateside home being Claiborne Farm. However, it wouldn’t be long before Calumet would have their own stallion superstar in the shape of Bull Lea. A son of the imported French sire Bull Dog, Bull Lea retired to stand at Calumet in 1940. He went on to sire 58 stakes winners from 377 named foals, and to claim the leading sire title five times. In addition to the immortal Citation, who also stood at Calumet, Bull Lea sired three other horses who earned honors as Horse of the Year: Twilight Tear, Coaltown, and Armed.

          http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/truenicks/archive/2012/11/29/calumet-farm-returns-with-trio-of-new-stallions.aspx
          Hugs, Keta

        • Dear Max: Les Young from Breeding World in Sportsman racing paper here, reported on Friday that Stay Thirsty may be visiting Coolmore (Hunter, NSW) or New Zealand next spring.

        • KathyR. Good news for NSW mares, not so good for visiting Thirsty at Ashford. I was afraid of this. Mo also heads to Australia. Please let me know if you hear more about this.

        • Max,
          Thanks for the photo. It is fantastic, you can read it like a book. Love the neck hugging.how low can you go!

    • / Reply

      Dear Carol,

      Great new, Calumet farms is really “stocking” up
      on some wonderful stallions.

  6. / Reply

    some one help….
    i read the article above about Belle Coutoure….?spelling…
    it describes her as 16.5 hands…..
    isnt that 17.0?
    or possibly the measuring is different there…
    or more probably i am completely confused…

    • / Reply

      Dear Carol,
      It is kind of confusing, we also use hands here
      so it is the same height as in the US.

      Wan’t that a great article !!!!!

    • / Reply

      Carol , SIgn, here is a description in another article. Must be one big girl. Keta

      Black Caviar Next Generation in Pre-Training With a Name
      News – Autumn Racing – General Interest 28 November 2012

      Excerpt from this article
      Like the hulking Black Caviar Belle Couture is a large horse with plenty of power and untapped ability and it will be a fine balancing act to have her running and hopefully winning races without injuring herself.

      “True to the family, she’s a big unit,” Marshall said. “There’s a lot of filly there.
      “We don’t want to push her unless she’s comfortable; she might break the mould and run a little earlier but time will tell and she’s a lovely girl.

      “She’s the biggest horse we have on the property. She’s a monster. She will furnish into a lovely filly and one that you can do anything with.”
      Read more: http://www.races.com.au/2012/11/28/black-caviar-next-generation-in-pre-training-with-a-name/#ixzz2DfkOXeE3

      • / Reply

        She is one big girl, just like Zenny and “E”,
        Would be fun to see her at the BC 2013.

      • / Reply

        Dear Keta, Sign and Carol: I must admit I wish they’d find another word to use than “hulking” – sounds like something that should be hanging about a cave in a Hobbit movie!

    • / Reply

      Barbara,
      When I read the posts, how could I not return?
      Can’t wait to see what other stallion surprises are in store–Dec.1 is almost here.
      Keta

  8. / Reply

    Dear Z Family:

    Just want to check in to say hello and hope all of you are well. Miss reading all the posts and links and communicating with all of you. Am in the middle of moving as much as I can on my own to the new place until the movers come on Sunday. Very tired.

    Great to see a new photo of The Prince. So beautiful. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Judy-Great to see a post from you. You might live in a redneck area if there are tobacco stains on the sides of the school bus.

    • / Reply

      JudyB. I have been thinking of you. Take it easy with moving as best that you can. That is very hard work with lots of stress. Hope that you get settled soon. Miss your posts. Looking forward to news of PC.

    • / Reply

      prayng things go well/smoothly w/ ur move JB.
      take care :) we’re not going anywhere. ;) ;)

      lol terry – needed that laugh
      glad ta see ya here man

      hugs/prayers, vamp

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,

      Hope all is going well, a very tough thing to do and lots and lots of work.
      Soon you will be in your new home and it will be before CHRISTMAS
      so you and LOLA MAE and your Family will have a bright and cheery
      holiday.

      Have missed your posts. TAKE CARE IN THE MOVE.

    • / Reply

      @ Judy B ♥ – best of luck with your move! I don’t know about you, but I hate moving ;-) although I’ve done it way too many times!! lol

      Auntie Judy

    • / Reply

      Thanks so much Judy. We’ve missed you here – hang in there, “the move” will be over soon, and then things can start to settle down.
      Hugs,
      Sandy

  11. / Reply

    Dear Keta: Am listening to Andrew Bensley’s programme on Skysportsradio while doing some gardening – came in on the end of the discussion, but could swear that I heard him say “welcome back Keta”!!

  12. / Reply

    @Judy B…..my complete sympathy is yours….having gone thru it recently ….I think the effects linger …
    …..
    I too have really missed the redneck jokes….
    …..
    I drive by Oaklawn every day and check out the stables….soon they will start filling up…my hubby thinks I have gone nuts…
    …..
    my brother in law is getting us passes for the whole meet…and today I saw where they will open the infield too…hmmmmmmm …I may need a scooter
    …….
    love to all…..Zenny …spa appt tonight

    • / Reply

      Dear Carol,

      How very lucky you are to be going back and forth to OAKLAWN,
      and when the horses arrive, please keep us posted of the
      goings on.

  13. / Reply

    @Barbara Wood.
    Saw the following “Like” on my nephew’s Facebook page:

    November 24
    Bears WIN! Bears WIN! In an OT shoot-out, the Bears earn bowl eligibility by defeating the Red Raiders 52-45! Sic ’em Bears!

  15. / Reply

    Snow Fairy Stripped of French Group I Victory
    By Blood-Horse Staff Updated: Thursday, November 29, 2012 6:28 PM
    English and Irish multiple champion Snow Fairy has tested positive for anti-inflammatory medication and as a result was disqualified from her victory in the Aug. 19 Darley Prix Jean Romanet (Fr-I) at Deauville.

    “Snow Fairy has required medication to help with her tendon injury,” trainer Ed Dunlop told The Racing Post. “Unfortunately the withdrawal period was longer than we had been advised. We would like to offer our sincerest apologies to all concerned parties.”

    Izzi Top, who finished second to Snow Fairy, has been awarded the race for trainer John Gosden and jockey William Buick.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/74781/snow-fairy-stripped-of-french-group-i-victory#ixzz2DeuPDzy0

  16. / Reply

    SNOW FAIRY STRIPPED OF FRENCH GROUP 1 VICTORY
    RACING EXPERTS FROM BLOODHORSE !!!!!

    Snow Fairy Stripped of French Group I Victory
    By Blood-Horse Staff
    Updated: Thursday, November 29, 2012 6:28 PM
    Posted: Thursday, November 29, 2012 2:20 PM

    Snow Fairy
    English and Irish multiple champion Snow Fairy has tested positive for anti-inflammatory medication and as a result was disqualified from her victory in the Aug. 19 Darley Prix Jean Romanet (Fr-I) at Deauville.

    “Snow Fairy has required medication to help with her tendon injury,” trainer Ed Dunlop told The Racing Post. “Unfortunately the withdrawal period was longer than we had been advised. We would like to offer our sincerest apologies to all concerned parties.”

    Izzi Top, who finished second to Snow Fairy, has been awarded the race for trainer John Gosden and jockey William Buick.

    Prior to the Prix Jean Romanet, Snow Fairy had not started since winning the Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup (Jpn-I) last November due to ongoing injuries. The 5-year-old daughter of Intikhab is owned by Cristina Patino, who races in the name Anamoine Limited.

    Snow Fairy holds an overall record of 9-4-4 from 21 starts and has earnings of $6,517,161. She has won five other group I contests, including the Sept. 8 Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes.

    Out of Woodland Dream, by Charnwood Forest, Snow Fairy was bred in Ireland by her owner, under the name of Wildflower Overseas Holdings.

    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/74781/snow-fairy-stripped-of-french-group-i-victory#ixzz2Df5sTjpt

  17. / Reply

    WONDERFUL STORY OF AN OTTB AND HIS FRIEND

    WRITTEN BY A RACING EXPERT FROM BLOODHORSE
    click on the link and see the wonderful photos

    OTTB Update: Windy Jim; Plus a Giveaway!
    29 Nov 2012 3:01 PM Leave a Comment
    0
    I love it when a past Beyond the Blinkers subject takes the time to email and give me an update on his or her off track Thoroughbred! Do you guys remember the story of Windy Jim as told by owner Jackie Cross in March 2011? (Click here to refresh your memory).

    Well, Jackie emailed me a few weeks ago to give me an update on the 16-year-old Feel the Power gelding and it sounds like he couldn’t be better!

    Windy Jim was given to Cross by her childhood riding instructor, Pat, who had cared for the gelding after he retired from racing, but was experiencing some financial constraints.

    Like many OTTBS, Windy Jim may not have had the best racing career–he failed to find the winner’s circle in six starts and was retired after his 3-year-old season due to a bowed tendon–but he sure has found a winning new vocation with Jackie.

    Jackie, who formerly boarded Windy Jim at a farm near her home in Bridgeport, W.V., has now acquired her own land keeps her gelding in a spacious pasture outside her back door.

    “I love being able to look out my kitchen window and see him playing with his best buddies Chance and Bandit,” Jackie said. “We have miles and miles of beautiful trails right behind our new barn. Windy loves to be on the trails and takes great pleasure in leaping (usually from a standstill) over the smallest ditches and logs. When he lands on the other side he usually takes off and lets out a playful buck. I’ve learned to prepare myself and hang on. It never fails, I still laugh after all these years when he bucks. My girlfriend has always said, ‘Poor boy couldn’t buck his way out of a paper bag, but he sure has fun trying!’ ”

    Jackie further related that Windy is the “king” of his small herd and keeps Chance and Bandit in line.

    “One of the things I’ve always loved about him is how kind and accepting he is of any new horse he happens to meet, which always seemed odd since he’s an alpha type horse,” said Jackie. “He was considered the resident babysitter at the old boarding facility. You could put any new horse in a paddock with him on day one and he would be their friend and protector until they gradually worked their way into the herd. Once they were accepted by the others, then he made sure they knew HE was the boss……it was funny to watch all the different sides of his personality. He’s just so intelligent!”

    Windy Jim (right) with his pasture mates

    Windy Jim’s favorite treat is still peppermints and Jackie swears he can hear a plastic wrapper from 100 yards away.

    “Our other two (horses) are also very lovable and they like a lot of attention too,” said Jackie. “But if I walk out into the pasture Windy comes up to me immediately and tells the other boys to back off. I think he’s afraid they might get one of his peppermints!”

    Windy Jim with another OTTB friend, Killing Frost, which Jackie recently re-homed

    Windy’s new favorite pastime is to tell Jackie where he wants to be scratched.

    “I was in his stall one day and trying to clean around him,” said Jackie. “He came up behind me, put his head on my behind, and gave a little shove. I turned around and asked him what he wanted and he picked up his right hind leg, shook it, and then stomped the floor.

    “I had no idea what he was doing, so I turned around and went back to my cleaning. A couple seconds later I feel another shove, but this one was a little harder. I turned around and again asked what he wanted. I figured he was bored and just wanted to play so I started rubbing his head. He pulled away as if to tell me, ‘no.’

    “Then he shook his hind leg again and stomped it down. I went to his back leg and started to scratch him and immediately he started shaking his head up and down. He was so happy that I finally figured it out, but I didn’t quite have the right spot yet. He then moved his body to position my hands exactly where he wanted them. Voila!!! I guess you could say Windy taught me a new trick. Now, on a pretty regular basis, he will nudge me first then put whatever part of his body is itching up against me and wait for me to scratch him. Some people might say he’s a little spoiled.”

    Now it’s your turn to tell me about your favorite OTTB’s funniest or most endearing personality quirks. It could be an OTTB that you personally own, or just one that you’ve come into contact with. Please leave a comment below and a winner will be chosen at random next week. The prize is a free New Vocations t-shirt of your choice. Good luck!

    New Vocations shirts; the one on the right says “Raised to Race, Recycled to Ride”

  18. / Reply

    @Max….I have very lucky sneaking up on Cigar since my move ….I seem to catch him am and pm….it occurred to me that possibly he is out more….does he “work” less hours in the winter?

    • / Reply

      @ CAROLINARKANSAS – The KHP has winter hours. Therefore, Cigar is more likely to be seen through out the day… I’ve captured him numerous times and posted his “picture” on my FB wall :-) He’s sporting that blue blankie coat – TOO CUTE!
      JAG ♥

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R,

      Sounds like Texas in the summer !!
      Oh my, I do forget how hot it is every summer, thanks for the
      early reminder !!

  22. / Reply

    Dear Zenny fans, Dumplings and all,

    There is a lovely Image Gallery (click on the upper left of the BACKSIDE 55 link)
    of all the horses, folks, Dottie and John photos. LOTS OF ZENNY and TEAM ZENYATTA.

    http://www.backside55.net

      • / Reply

        Yes, there was not much for awhile.
        Tanya has some video and she looks like a “fun” girl.

    • / Reply

      Stay sound girl. Maybe the plan will change…….from the Oaks to the next day?
      Just keep her safe and sound.
      She is really something else! Looking forward to the RA Stakes.

      • / Reply

        Ann. I was thinking the same. Sign is quite a racer and at this point looks like she could take on the boys. The RA is not that far off so that we only have about 3 months to wait for her next race. Go Sign!

    • / Reply

      Keta:

      Glad you are back doing what you do best.
      Loved this post. Belle Couture is a pretty thing.

      Always appreciate you updating on Paynter too.

    • / Reply

      So cute that they were calling her Pippa and now they’ve come up with a great racing name.

  28. / Reply

    For info in general.
    I was curious what twitter spam is and apparently it
    is coming from twitter accounts being hacked and sites for
    diets to other things under the sun appearing on sites

    So my question is since when has anyone here seen any
    strange post coming from anyone other than what has always
    been valuable info.

    Any other insight would be appreciated.
    However, I am on the see food diet, and when I see I eat it, so no diet
    info. Just kidding.

    • / Reply

      Janet,

      That post from “Vicky” who ever he/she is was very unusual and I have
      not seen this person post here for a very long time, if at all. Although, Vicki B said
      there were a few Vicki’s or Vicky’s on the site that is why she added the “B”. Very strange to come out and say something like that and not be a regular poster????

      And the reaction !!!

      • / Reply

        Sign

        I am glad that the wagons circled around Keta.
        It took me a long time to get back into following the blog
        and I have missed so much and do not regret for one
        minute wading through the many posts. It is mind boggling
        to read so many, but that is what makes it fun.
        Many of my co-workers do not understand my rabid love
        for horses and following the races.
        This site allows me the luxury of knowing so many others
        have this deep love as well.
        God Bless the Z Dumplings, You all are wonderful!

        • Dear Janet,

          So very true, sometimes it is hard to weed through the fact and
          the fiction as there is sooo very many things going on. Having friends who enjoy horses in any way are very hard to find.
          You are right that is why we are here. There were some very strange
          posts on this blog the week before “E” ran for the first time as well.

          Not sure how long you were on the diary, we had some that tried to sabotage, things. When you don’t know where it is coming from it
          is hard to look at the comments objectively and some days we are
          more vulnerable than others.

          The reason why I said “the reaction” was that we all discussed the
          “hearsay that is on twitter and facebook” and how Keta follows all
          the treads to get to the facts. That is why I was surprised. Taking
          things personally happens to all of us and it is so much easier to
          do that by e-mail. When someone is in front of you talking, the message
          is very much different.

          Thanks for all of your contributions from the wonderful state of Alaska.
          It is sooo great to have such diversity on this site. And we are sooo very
          lucky that THE MOSSES have been committed so far to keep things going
          with knowledge about Zenny and all of her “children”.

  29. / Reply

    Kathy R
    Something to be on the lookout for

    Another Redoute’s Choice x Helsinge prodigy is due to go under the hammer at this year’s Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sales which got underway this week.

    The colt is sure to fetch the highest price of the auctions, possibly even surpassing the price paid for Belle Couture.
    Keta

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta: Sportsman (our major racing newspaper) has been talking about this for a little while, along with the Sky television programmes. In fact, the latest Sportsman (Friday 30 November) had a piece as follows:
      “Helsinge to sparkle at Easter ’13” by Shayne O’Cass. The article went on the say:
      “Helsinge is almost certain to become the first broodmare in history to deliver three Easter Yearling sale toppers with a Redoute’s Choice colt bound for Newmarket next April. The half brother to unbeaten champion mare Black Caviar and Caulfield Guineas winner All Too Hard is the headline act among a glittering array of around 600 lots scheduled to go under the hammer at the 2013 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. All Too Hard topped the 2011 Easter Yearling Sale ($1.05m) while his Redoute’s Choice half sister, named Belle Couture, was bought by BC Thoroughbreds for $2.6 million earlier this year. The 2013 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale also boasts 50 sons or daughters of reigning Champion General Sire Fastnet Rock, 42 by his Coolmore associate High Chapparal, 36 by Redoute’s Choice, 32 More Than Ready’s and 25 by Lonhro. Golden Slipper and Cox Plate placegetter, Manhattan Rain, has the most yearlings of any freshman sire with 23 on offer.” (That is an extract from the article – for more information visit http://www.inglis.com.au).

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